[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6523833,"mediaKeyId","5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399","parentId",5024062,"title","Board approves Nathan Wiernicki as Winona Senior High principal; some directors call for more board input in hiring","audioSeconds",213,"startMs",3534000,"endMs",3747000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399&start=3534&end=3747","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399/thumbnail_3534000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6523833/Minnesota/Board-approves-Nathan-Wiernicki-as-Winona-Senior-High-principal-some-directors-call-for-more-board-input-in-hiring","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523833-ae1ca5d18c145d7b871954e6b2f5ba06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152240&Signature=k358yqN0JrCA5BwO4iRAW30ul7xrjkTmNaZX-N89VEp2mJS1i5FjKzvDrmdEMyRbKxfUrogA47P-WMCxSnza1fPpFaXWlLQ7MytwHyAKFxmgIvAk1E4S12h7-dtIFw9WF7q6ghMHEW~FkDUqCMhC9RmjIdh8n7a3402n9m21yCxhh43xvZ1Xb5ulvs0LvXpDabiY8vwbjqHqCV80HDKld6qGpJaX0Bl5txx-8JWc4nGVc6Y6beXajTrmFI6qljgmZbaER-uQ~o2ZybR41aXSZENpkRgE3~q6oZRGEhq3Wm7Ky52q7R9o9CpafMNEWQrDbLbXHB9afB31BGy6xaUiTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winona Area Public School District","date","2025-06-18T06:12:37.523Z","article","The Winona Area Public Schools Board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Nathan Wiernicki as principal of Winona Senior High School.

Superintendent Pruzanski presented Wiernicki’s candidacy, noting the selection followed interviews that included staff, parents and students. The motion to appoint was made and seconded and passed by voice vote.

Board reaction: members offered both congratulations and procedural critique. One director said the appointment “continues to concern me” because they would prefer more board participation on hiring committees for more visible leadership positions. That director also said the issue is about nuance and the degree of board input rather than rejecting administrative recommendations outright.

Why it matters: Principal appointments shape school leadership, curriculum execution and staff morale. The board’s approval finalizes the district‑level administrative decision for Winona Senior High and sets an expectation for how future high‑visibility hires might be handled.

Next steps: the board administered the standard motion, second and voice vote to confirm the appointment at the meeting. Several directors said they would like to discuss the board’s role in future hiring processes.

No salary or contract details were presented in the public portion of the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WAPS School Board Meeting - 2025-06-17","oneSentenceSummary","The Winona Area Public Schools Board approved Nathan Wiernicki as principal of Winona Senior High School following the superintendent’s recommendation and a multi‑member interview process.","taxTitle","WINONA AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",65543,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523843,"Winona staff recommend raising high‑school graduation requirement from 21.5 to 25 credits; board to consider in fall",446,1365000,1811000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399&start=1365&end=1811","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399/thumbnail_1365000.jpg","/articles/6523843/Minnesota/Winona-staff-recommend-raising-highschool-graduation-requirement-from-215-to-25-credits-board-to-consider-in-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523843-3581b2ca38630058ec744da7df0f6512/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152240&Signature=jiuTTJ3igi4c3nBlP79WNzCtADR~kXVHVbiDxhw4dKgZLvJ0ZeL4vkHstsovfEl4leMCijhTiNI62uffRJuolChCGsymtwN3~lnHG-ykoRTqJmr51ppYKntmN5NkblBXAcK7LQPxgHMygHhwGZYWUaiSF2mv2gce4h8UVW4wn41Y3o3rI35LSxfL18l1XbL03jg9ym3xUUyXvwvrDPhMN8WTig0kXQVhQeWtcmNqqeubD0bYTJkWSm5HqnF8S1vWs6JnTxlk5OkbDZ-5C0Yd3UfnLdev8DFg-PJpgrlbtdwH3pOa3zuv4eA6MfPchd6qtrTxwPyZ1p2WXBuI8HSASQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A committee of Winona Senior High School teachers and administrators recommended the school board raise the district’s graduation requirement from 21.5 credits to 25 credits, committee members told the Winona Area Public Schools Board during an information item.

The recommendation, framed as the start of a conversation, would not fix those extra credits to particular subject categories; students could earn the additional credits in math, science, art or other electives. A committee presenter said, “we should shift the number from 21 and a half to 25,” and described the change as a way to make elective choices “matter” to students rather than let electives be treated as courses that can be failed without consequence.

Board members and staff said the proposal matters because it could reshape elective offerings, affect students who take Post‑Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), and highlight differences between Winona Senior High and the district’s Alternative Learning Center (ALC). High‑school presenters said their review included staff input gathered by straw poll and that staff were “overwhelmingly in favor” of the 25‑credit recommendation.

Why it matters: the change would alter diploma requirements for future graduating classes and touch scheduling, counseling and course availability. Presenters said 25 credits would reduce the possibility of students graduating in January (after fall semester) and help ensure seniors remain in school for the final semester. One member of the presenting team said the increase recognizes that, unlike many peer schools, Winona does not offer study halls; without study halls, students have fewer planned openings in their schedules to accumulate elective credits over four years.

Concerns and unanswered questions
- ALC parity and access: several board members pressed for clarity on how the ALC’s 21.5‑credit structure fits with the proposed 25‑credit senior‑high standard. Presenters said the ALC provided representation on the committee and that, for now, ALC leadership prefers to keep their requirement at 21.5 because many ALC students lack access to the same elective offerings.
- Transportation/logistics: staff noted the ALC is a short drive from the high school but currently there is no regular shuttle; any plan that expects ALC students to take electives at Winona Senior High would require logistics planning.
- PSEO and budgeting: board members asked whether a lower required credit total encourages more students to pursue PSEO and whether that could raise district tuition costs and reduce in‑building enrollment. Presenters and counselors said PSEO credits can count toward the district diploma and that counselors would work with students to assure coursework aligns with diploma requirements, but the board asked the district to outline financial and scheduling impacts.
- Equity and external perception: one director cautioned that differing graduation requirements across district programs could create the perception of a two‑tier system and that colleges or employers might question equivalency of an ALC diploma.

Next steps: presenters described the item as informational only and recommended further analysis and stakeholder conversation over the summer. Staff said any board action would require a policy change to Policy 613 (graduation requirements) and suggested aiming for board action by October–November so the requirement is set before forecasting and master‑scheduling for the next cohort.

The board did not vote on the recommendation during the meeting. Staff asked directors to submit questions to principals and the high‑school team and indicated they would return with details, including counsel on ALC access, PSEO translation of credits and scheduling impacts.","A committee of Winona Senior High School teachers and administrators recommended the district raise graduation requirements from 21.5 credits to 25, saying the change would make elective coursework count and help keep seniors in school for the full year.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523828,"Board ratifies three‑year planned operations and maintenance contract; district estimates $378,000 cost",439,4630000,5069000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399&start=4630&end=5069","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399/thumbnail_4630000.jpg","/articles/6523828/Minnesota/Board-ratifies-threeyear-planned-operations-and-maintenance-contract-district-estimates-378000-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523828-b088791f3cb7142c0f04c3a094fe80f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152240&Signature=Fr6D7kviMbCA6Ngwn5~24mS1v2C30IYb6G0iNZrmufzmYbgcivSY~bO~uOcNrYJ8Sg8L-RQzY7OEUcwYYzK25msyEno2OY9eJ8nFyeDP1fifbsgLi2lU6hDekkHOZyHUb34aBjsOZQ7wCQA4ljCxN6iZKkIEA7WsVmgX-nytEqFyhac-wl6keUdFXA2YmC8Woie4SX9wJSs6SsfqxsCmaPecdcs-H-s2ZExharYIEyofAu90LM1iLZjwVLTLgDfDwiaXf5up8X6vJ37S2cWKpFLvUU5kki~Nx1IEEKmoK0q7qy67NESMsLEhYx7f8pMGDgOtX4~f7iptTyyFRVu5Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winona Area Public Schools Board ratified a three‑year contract with the district’s planned operations and maintenance employee unit.

Key terms presented by human resources staff (Dawn Lueck):
- Wage increases: 3 percent for each of the three years of the contract.
- Career increment: a $600 step after year 15 and for each subsequent year thereafter.
- Sick‑leave buyback: increased days for employees with large accumulated balances (examples given: at 320 hours the buyback increases from 2 to 5 days; at 640 hours from 4 to 8 days).
- Probationary period: reduced from 12 months to 90 days for new hires under the unit agreement.
- Overtime and comp time: clarified that sick days taken during a week with overtime still count toward overtime calculations; comp‑time accrual increased from 40 to 60 hours.
- Other clarifications: pool license stipend language and housekeeping language changes to align titles (director to supervisor).

Cost and fiscal note: staff estimated the contract’s total cost at just over $378,000 for the three years, with a first‑year cost of approximately $69,000. The immediate budgetary impact on the approved fund balance was described as about 0.08 percent. Staff also estimated a possible additional severance cost (based on long‑tenured employees who meet retirement eligibility) of roughly $32,000 over a longer time horizon, noting that timing of retirements is uncertain.

Board action: The board moved, seconded and approved the contract in the public meeting. Directors thanked negotiators and staff who participated in the bargaining team.

Implication: The contract takes effect for the three‑year term described in bargaining documents and will be implemented through payroll and human resources processes; the district will monitor budget effects in future fiscal reviews.","The Winona Area Public Schools Board approved a three‑year contract for planned operations and maintenance employees that includes 3 percent annual raises, a $600 career increment after year 15 and expanded sick‑leave buyback and comp‑time provisions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523823,"District reviews long‑term facilities maintenance plan; state roofing levy authority to start in 2027",842,3765000,4607000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399&start=3765&end=4607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399/thumbnail_3765000.jpg","/articles/6523823/Minnesota/District-reviews-longterm-facilities-maintenance-plan-state-roofing-levy-authority-to-start-in-2027","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523823-f8a71f562ead304dabab310d14208042/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152240&Signature=B2JSOKr7DvbMGYiHobZNFmCgW~4XqH2mvpGg7oAVWd1NInh07EtCU5y24mHQ2gGlXR~L2c47FF3o6RkIOVBn40giOJILSLTmcgdGtuu1W8YMwnCZoocqhQw0JsaFjp1KW~G2yxs9kze7UlSJX0J8MhIEjR7kiCqME2tMbnBq9dEdZ8XWctcvrEkRjjSKFYYly3~Qbmq4LMN5z1Q6SrDFkt5mhex4H7ktJ1VGQhaZOJt5wqYrzepGqdqGZOc0AMC9y1ooaegZNaGoB2nwgIv-k1VlmJQl9DdTCzQ-cExr4Sqw9-2OHAKWawYQIrgCMvB6gr68gCK8nX~z2TWFrRZUZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District finance and operations staff presented a briefing on the long‑term facilities maintenance (LTFM) 10‑year plan and supporting documents required by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Key points from the briefing
- Revenue methodology: The LTFM revenue projection is based on adjusted pupil units (APUs) multiplied by the statutory LTFM formula allowance ($380 per APU) and supplemented by any authorized levy authority. Staff noted the Legislature recently authorized a separate levy line for roofing; that roofing authority will be available beginning in fiscal 2027.
- Hold‑harmless and equalization: The MDE spreadsheet applies hold‑harmless and equalization calculations; in Winona’s case most LTFM revenue historically flows through levy rather than state aid.
- Budget reconciliation: Staff explained differences between the LTFM revenue projection and the board‑approved 2026 budget. One major variance was the inclusion of a chiller project for which the district levied previously; staff also reported adjustments in pupil unit counts and several updated expenditure estimates (sidewalk replacement, grub control, increased annual parking‑lot maintenance) that affected the LTFM expenditure plan.
- Timing and submission: Staff said the board will be asked to adopt the LTFM resolution and approve related documents at the July 17 meeting so the district can meet the state’s July 31 submission deadline.

Why it matters: LTFM funding supports building systems, health and safety work, deferred maintenance and long‑range capital planning. The district’s ability to levy for roofing beginning in fiscal 2027 adds a new funding tool but also requires clear forecasting to match levy authority with planned projects.

Next steps: staff will present the LTFM resolution and the 10‑year expenditure application for board action on July 17 and will provide supporting documentation and variance explanations to board members ahead of that meeting.","District staff briefed the board on the long‑term facilities maintenance (LTFM) 10‑year plan and revenue projections, noting the state’s new levy authority for roofing starting in fiscal 2027 and explaining differences between LTFM projections and the approved 2026 budget. Staff said the plan will return for action at the July 17 meeting.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523837,"Winona Area Public Schools: key votes and approvals at June board meeting",5394,323000,5717000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399&start=323&end=5717","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024062-6cfb505eec3d6448bcd9b3f78e8bf399/thumbnail_323000.jpg","/articles/6523837/Minnesota/Winona-Area-Public-Schools-key-votes-and-approvals-at-June-board-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523837-b549c77d4d72eb43a83b4b4ef1ad36e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152240&Signature=J4yemzSBibE29EpU9DLuc857QTvLxumT3Lk2UIuInQL0VsgQlfI3qBN4qfPX~~X6Wl56vQ-sv7LcW~T-AiTykKmKM7z77vFUdL4UCUDowyBGXDegXoR6dK~6VAM-VEdrP5CpVit9KeDycY0Ofr1cBq9iPyETLWZUzzL9Kr~D4d7C3sRxJYFiCGOz1P4jalRvPlMxzNrfK3PIDNFoIVqqvS4VwvPo5gg7nFi-lOVCzDNpeesmM-WJK2G104bBUzZzNjtheHk6jXPPxDe5J6Cvq-hCq6iI8OB-KKKLNpTjPnqTw35SuQp9KAqS~zchWaMSjczbaMoOw7oZQyvDwRrlZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its regular meeting, the Winona Area Public Schools Board took multiple formal actions including policy approvals, personnel recommendations and contract ratifications.

Items approved by board voice votes or roll call
- Policies (action items grouped): Approved School Health Services (Policy 596), Curriculum Development (Policy 603) and School District Testing Plan and Procedure (Policy 614). The board approved the three policies in a single motion; no individual dissent was recorded on the public voice vote.
- Junior student school board representative: The board approved the recommendation of the Board Operations Committee and appointed Tegan Brzezinski as the junior student school board representative for the 2025–26 school year following an interview process and a motion by Director Hanratty; the board then administered the oath of office.
- Minnesota State High School League membership resolution: The board adopted the 2025–26 resolution delegating interscholastic athletics supervision to the Minnesota State High School League and certifying the delegation to the State Commissioner of Education as provided under Minnesota statute 128C.001. One director expressed opposition in principle but the motion carried.
- High school principal appointment: The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Nathan Wiernicki as principal of Winona Senior High School. Some directors voiced concern about the level of board input in administrative hiring processes while also supporting the recommended candidate.
- Planned operations and maintenance employees unit contract: The board ratified a three‑year contract with the planned operations and maintenance unit that includes a 3 percent wage increase each year, a $600 career increment after year 15, increased sick‑leave buyback days for employees with large balances, clarified overtime rules, expansion of comp‑time accrual to 60 hours and changes to probationary time; the district estimated the three‑year cost at about $378,000 with year‑one cost of roughly $69,000 and a near‑term budget impact of about 0.08% of fund balance.
- Insurance and risk items: The board approved renewal of workers’ compensation coverage and renewed liability and cyber insurance; the liability/cyber renewal carried a 2.2 percent change noted by staff.
- Donations: By roll call the board accepted donations totaling $88,663.97 earmarked across programs (field trips, PTO funds, FFA banquet support, foundation grants and other school activities).

Items presented for information or briefing
- Health services annual report: Presented as information by the district nurse and placed on the record for board reference; no action taken.
- Long‑term facilities maintenance (LTFM) 10‑year plan: Presented as a briefing; staff said the plan will return to the board for action at the July meeting and noted a new state allowance to levy for roofing beginning in fiscal 2027.

Votes and movers: Several approvals were by voice vote (ayes recorded) and not a full roll‑call in the transcript; donations acceptance was adopted by roll call with all members present voting yes. Where the transcript provided a mover or seconder, it is recorded in the meeting minutes and the board passed the motions.

The board treated the graduation‑requirements recommendation as informational and requested additional analysis before possible future action.","The Winona Area Public Schools Board approved a group of policies and personnel actions, ratified a three‑year maintenance/operations contract, accepted donations, and approved insurance renewals. The board treated a recommendation to raise graduation credits as informational and set a fall timeline for further work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves Nathan Wiernicki as Winona Senior High principal; some directors call for more board input in hiring

Winona staff recommend raising high‑school graduation requirement from 21.5 to 25 credits; board to consider in fall

Board ratifies three‑year planned operations and maintenance contract; district estimates $378,000 cost

District reviews long‑term facilities maintenance plan; state roofing levy authority to start in 2027

Winona Area Public Schools: key votes and approvals at June board meeting